Steely Newsletter Issue #032 |
Read all about a satellite breakthrough for autonomous shipping, China's 'hack-proof' quantum satellite technology, Telus successfully trials a satellite connection to smartphones, and so much more! |
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| | SatNews | 11-01-2023 The ability to deploy safe, reliable, and accurate autonomous shipping technology is being propelled forward thanks to a project that will guarantee uninterrupted data connectivity at sea. Remote-Control Technology and Service provider for unmanned and crew reduced shipping SEAFAR is integrating neXat, a satellite communications services platform, into its remote ship navigation solution for the short sea shipping (SSS) industry. | Via Satellite | Mark Holmes | 11-02-2023 Telus, TerreStar Solutions and Skylo have successfully tested satellite connectivity for smartphones and IoT devices in Canada. The trial could eliminate no-coverage zones and provide ubiquitous connectivity across Canada. Satellite connectivity was used to conduct voice calls, send text messages, and connect to IoT devices. Telus is exploring 5G satellite-capable smartphones for 2024. | Space.com | Andrew Jones | 11-02-2023 ThrustMe, a French startup, has received over 200 orders for its iodine-based propulsion systems for small satellites. This reflects a growing trend towards more sustainable space activities. Small satellites with their own propulsion system can deorbit when their time comes and avoid collisions, which helps to tamp down the growing threat of space debris. While satellite maneuverability is a good start, it still doesn't answer the question about who gets right of way and who needs to maneuver if there is a close approach between two active satellites. This is a complex issue that needs to be addressed by national and commercial constellation operators. |
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🛡️Satellite Cybersecurity News |
| Via Satellite | Thom Fain | 10-23-2023 Foreign adversaries, particularly China and Russia, are rapidly developing AI capabilities, posing a significant threat to the West. The Pentagon is investing billions of dollars in AI/ML capabilities to maintain its technological edge. Private companies like Starlink are playing a critical role in supporting Western cyber infrastructure and international conflicts. The intersection of AI and foreign adversaries is a complex and evolving one, with far-reaching implications for global security. | Space.com | Andrew Jones | 10-31-2023 China is planning to launch new quantum communications satellites in higher orbits, which will be more challenging to build and operate than the current Micius satellite. These satellites will allow for longer-distance quantum key distribution (QKD), which could revolutionize how we transmit sensitive data. China is not the only country working on quantum communications satellites. Europe is also developing a technology demonstration satellite called Eagle-1. |
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| | Via Satellite | Mark Holmes | 10-31-2023 EnSilica has entered into a partnership with VITES to supply their innovative beam-former chip for satellite user terminals, with the collaboration officially announced on October 30th. The core of VITES's new ViSAT-Ka-band terminal will incorporate EnSilica's beam-forming chip, designed to optimize the creation of cost-effective ground-based flat panel user terminals for satellite communication systems, applicable to both stationary and on-the-move satcom needs. The ViSAT-Ka-band terminal stands out as it can be seamlessly integrated into vehicles for on-the-move communication applications, efficiently tracking the movement of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and other Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) satellites, providing users with high-speed connectivity while in transit. |
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🏛️US Government Satellite News |
| Space News | Sandra Erwin | 10-30-2023 The U.S. Space Force is planning to acquire 27 missile-defense satellites for a medium Earth orbit constellation. The satellites will be procured through spiral development, with new capabilities being added every two to three years. The first nine satellites are expected to launch in 2027, followed by 18 more satellites two to three years later. The satellites will be interoperable with the Space Development Agency's low Earth orbit satellites. The Space Force is seeking tech improvements for the MEO satellites, such as focal plane arrays that are easier to manufacture, more resistant to attack, and more sensitive to fast hypersonic missiles. | C4ISRNET | Courtney Albon | 10-26-2023 The Space Force is preparing to award $20 billion in contracts for satellite communications and positioning, navigation and timing capabilities in fiscal 2024. This is a significant increase from the $1.6 billion awarded in fiscal 2023. The Space Force is shifting to smaller, more resilient satellites in lower orbits. The planned awards will fund new projects and upgrades to existing systems, including the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications constellation, the Mobile User Objective System satellites, and the Wideband Global SATCOM satellite. | Via Satellite | Frank Wolfe | 10-30-2023 Northrop Grumman won a $732 million contract to build 38 Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Alpha satellites, the U.S. Space Force's Space Development Agency (SDA) announced on Oct. 30. The Alpha satellites are part of SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a network of satellites that will provide enhanced capabilities beyond the current space systems architecture. The first Alpha satellites are scheduled to launch in September 2026. |
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